file:// links won't work in XP, work in Win2000

[Andrea Martin - Works MVP]

Apologies if this isn't the right forum.

I work in a library. Our master computer catalog lets us create links to
mpeg files stored on a server. Teachers may click on the link in their
version of the catalog (a shell) on their classroom computers and show
videos (documentaries and quality films, mind you) on their computers via
overhead projector in the classrooms.

The link is created by typing file://\\server\folder\video.mpg This link
works fine in Win2000 computers. But we're upgrading to WinXP, and we've
noticed the links don't work on WinXP computers.

Catalog tech support thinks maybe it's an issue with Service Pack 2's
firewall, but they're not sure. Anybody have other ideas?

Thanks in advance. We're rather upset by this issue, so any advice would be
much appreciated.

Best regards,
Andrea

 

[Haggis]

Apologies if this isn't the right forum.

I work in a library. Our master computer catalog lets us create links to
mpeg files stored on a server. Teachers may click on the link in their
version of the catalog (a shell) on their classroom computers and show
videos (documentaries and quality films, mind you) on their computers via
overhead projector in the classrooms.

The link is created by typing file://\\server\folder\video.mpg This link
works fine in Win2000 computers. But we're upgrading to WinXP, and we've
noticed the links don't work on WinXP computers.

Catalog tech support thinks maybe it's an issue with Service Pack 2's
firewall, but they're not sure. Anybody have other ideas?

Thanks in advance. We're rather upset by this issue, so any advice would
be
much appreciated.

Best regards,
Andrea

try it without the "file://" ...just the UNC

 

[Andrea Martin - Works MVP]

IT WORKED!!! IT WORKED!!!! Oh, you've saved our school's program and
hundreds of hours of labor from going down the tube!!

And you may pat yourself on the back for trumping the experts at Follett
Library Services Software Company and our own tech people.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Sheesh, I can't believe it's that simple -- LOL!

Appreciatively,
Andrea

 

[Andrea Martin - Works MVP]

Now I'm curious...

Why does typing file:// in the path not work in Windows XP?

Thanks very much again for your help. Wish you could see all our librarians
dancing for joy

Andrea